License Plate Holder

ABSTRACT

A license plate holder includes a base with a first connector for attaching the base to a vehicle, a transmissive substrate, and a frame. The frame defines a central opening to permit display of indicia on a license plate display region of a license plate disposed between the base and the frame. The frame further defines a frame display region adjacent the central opening. The frame includes a rear connector disposed adjacent a rear of the frame to removably attach the rear of the frame to the base and includes a front connector disposed adjacent a front of the frame to removably attach the transmissive substrate to the front of the frame.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate (British) ora license plate (American), is a metal or plastic plate attached to amotor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. Allcountries require registration plates for road vehicles such as cars,trucks, and motorcycles. The registration identifier is a numeric oralphanumeric ID that uniquely identifies the vehicle owner within theissuing region's vehicle register. In various examples, license platesmay be 305 mm×152 mm (12.0″×6.0″)(the United States), 520 mm×110 mm(20.5″×4.3″) (various European countries), or 440 mm×140 mm(17.3″×5.5″)(China). License plates may be formed from a variety ofmaterials, such as plastic or metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, an alloy,etc.).

To secure the license plate to the vehicle, a license plate holder orlicense plate frame is used to hold the license plate and is itselfattached to the vehicle, typically by screws that mount into threadedfittings on the vehicle. The license plate holder is configured toensure that the license plate numbers and regulatory stickers are notobscured. License plate holders are often made from a metal (e.g.,stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) or plastic, and may have a protectivecoating applied thereover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example license plateholder in accord with at least some of the present concepts.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the example license plate holder ofFIG. 1 in an assembled condition.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the example license plate holder of FIG. 1 inan assembled condition.

FIG. 3 is an example bottom view of the example license plate holder ofFIGS. 1-2B.

FIG. 4 is an example top view of the example license plate holder ofFIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is an example rear perspective view of the example license plateholder of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is an example rear view of the example license plate holder ofFIGS. 1-5.

FIGS. 7A-7B are, respectively, example right side and left side views ofthe example license plate holder of FIGS. 1-6.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Wherever possible, the samereference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) andaccompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. Asused herein, stating that any part is in any way positioned on (e.g.,positioned on, located on, disposed on, etc.) another part, indicatesthat the referenced part is either in contact with the other part, orthat the referenced part is above the other part with one or moreintermediate part(s) located therebetween. Stating that any part is incontact with another part means that there is no intermediate partbetween the two parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some aspects, this disclosure relates to an example license plateholder for vehicles, inclusive of road vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks,motorcycles, scooters, etc.), off-road vehicles (e.g., 3-wheelers,all-terrain vehicles, four wheelers, etc.), and marine vehicles (e.g.,boats), which require registration with a governmental body and displayof a license plate on the vehicle.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example license plateholder 100 in accord with at least some of the present concepts. Theexample license plate holder 100 is shown to include, fromleft-to-right, an example transmissive substrate 120, an example frame140 and an example base 200. An optional example license plate 160 isalso shown in relation to the example license plate holder 100 forcontextual illustration to show an example integration of a licenseplate 160 with a license plate holder 100 in accord with at least someaspects of the present concepts.

The example transmissive substrate 120 may include, for instance, but isnot limited to, a substrate of glass, treated or strengthened glass(e.g., Gorilla Glass (Corning), Dragontrail (AGC Inc.), Xensation(Schott AG)), Plexiglass (e.g., Lucite, Acrylite, Perspex, OroglassOptix, Altuglass, etc.), polycarbonate, acrylic (e.g., injection moldedacrylic or polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene or poly(methylmethacrylate)(PMMA). In some examples, the example transmissivesubstrate 120 is a uniform substrate of a selected material. In someexamples, the example transmissive substrate 120 includes a plurality ofdifferent regions such as an example first region 126 (e.g., a centralregion) having a first set of characteristics (e.g., optical propertiessuch as refractive index, transmission/transmittance, absorption,mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, surface finish, strength,hardness, impact resistance, chemical resistance, etc.), an examplesecond region 122 (e.g., a peripheral region) having a second set ofcharacteristics, and an example third region 128 having a third set ofcharacteristics. In some examples, two regions may have the samecharacteristics (e.g., the example first region 126 and the examplethird region 128). In the example transmissive substrate 120 shown inFIG. 1, the example first region 126 generally corresponds in size to adisplay area (e.g., a DIN 1451 license plate number) of an examplelicense plate (e.g., example license plate 160) to be incorporated intothe example license plate holder 100 (e.g., a United States licenseplate, a European license plate, a Chinese license plate, etc.). Forinstance, in some examples, the example first region 126 is less than12.0″×6.0″ (305 mm×152 mm) for a United States license plate, less than20.5″×4.3″ (520 mm×110 mm) for a license plate of some Europeancountries, or 17.3″×5.5″ (440 mm×140 mm) for a Chinese license plate. Insome examples, the example first region 126 is a cutout in the exampletransmissive substrate 120.

In some examples, the third example third region 128 is optionallyomitted. In some examples, the example transmissive substrate 120includes the third example third region 128, as may be required injurisdictions requiring the display of an additional emblem or sticker(e.g., a governmental vehicle registration sticker, etc.). The examplethird region 128 may alternatively be sized differently (e.g., larger,smaller, etc.) and/or disposed in another location on the exampletransmissive substrate 120 to comport with sizing and/or locationrequirements of any particular jurisdiction. For instance, the examplethird region 128 may be disposed in a location other than shown in theexample of FIG. 1, such as in an upper left portion of the exampletransmissive substrate 120 or in an upper center portion of the exampletransmissive substrate 120. In some examples, the example third region128 is a cutout in the example transmissive substrate 120. In someexamples, two example third regions 128 may be provided, such as topermit the display of two emblems or stickers.

The example frame 140 defines an example central opening 142 to permitdisplay of indicia, such as the license plate number, on an examplefirst license plate display region 162. In some examples, such as isshown in FIG. 1, the example central opening 142 opens into, or iscontiguous to, an example secondary opening 143 adjacent the examplecentral opening 142. In some examples, the example central opening 142is a distinct opening separate from that of the example secondaryopening 143. As noted above, in some examples, the third example thirdregion 128 is optionally omitted where there are no jurisdictionalrequirements for the display of an additional emblem or sticker (e.g., agovernmental vehicle registration sticker, etc.), at an example secondlicense plate display region 164, in an offset position from the examplefirst license plate display region 162. In such examples, the secondaryopening 143 may likewise be omitted. In other examples, the examplesecondary opening 143 may alternatively be sized differently (e.g.,larger, smaller, etc.) and/or disposed in another location on theexample frame 140 to comport with sizing and/or location requirements ofany particular jurisdiction. For instance, the example secondary opening143 may be disposed in a location other than shown in the example ofFIG. 1, such as in an upper left portion of the example frame 140 or inan upper center portion of the example frame 140.

In some examples, the example central opening 142 is less than about 305mm×152 mm (12.0″×6.0″) and is sized so as not to obscure a first licenseplate display region 162 (e.g., a license plate number) for a UnitedStates vehicle license plate. In some examples, the example centralopening 142 is less than about 520 mm×110 mm (20.5″×4.3″) and is sizedso as not to obscure a first license plate display region 162 (e.g., alicense plate number) for a vehicle license plate in some Europeancountries. Likewise, in other examples, the example central opening 142is less than about 305 mm×152 mm (12.0″×6.0″), 305 mm×160 mm(12.0″×6.3″), 372 mm×135 mm (14.6″ 5.3″), 440 mm×120 mm (17.3″×4.7″),300 mm×80 mm (11.8″×3.1″), or 440 mm×140 mm (17.3″×5.5″).

The example frame 140 further defines one or more example frame displayregions 146 adjacent the example central opening 142. In the example ofFIG. 1, the example frame 140 is shown to define a plurality of framedisplay regions 146, more particularly, four example frame displayregions 146. The example frame 140 of FIG. 1 includes an example bottomframe display region 146 below an example bottom edge of the centralopening 142, an example first lateral frame display region 146 adjacentan example first lateral edge of central opening 142, an example secondlateral frame display region 146 adjacent an example second lateral edgeof central opening 142, or an example upper frame display region 146above an example top edge of the central opening 142. The one or moreexample frame display regions 146 include text and/or graphics, whichare generically represented in FIG. 1 by fields or arrays of “X”indicia. In some examples, one or more of the example frame displayregion(s) 146 include(s) user-selectable text or graphics (e.g.,selected from a list of options provided on a website, custom printed,etc.), such as may be associated with sports team logos, organizations,colleges or universities, companies, phrases, causes, etc.).

The example frame 140 of FIG. 1 defines a plurality of contiguous wallsincluding an example first wall 141, an example second wall 145, anexample third wall 148 and an example fourth wall 149. The example walls141, 145, 148, 149 extend forwardly to define a first volume (notnumbered) at the front of the example frame 140 to receive the exampletransmissive substrate 120. The example walls 141, 145, 148, 149 alsoextend rearwardly to define a second volume (not numbered) at the rearof the example frame 140 to receive the example license plate 160 andthe example base 200. In some examples, the example walls 141, 145, 148,149 extend both forwardly and rearwardly. In some examples, a first setof walls extends forwardly and a second set of walls extends rearwardly.

While a plurality of example walls 141, 145, 148, 149 are shown in theexample frame 140 of FIG. 1, a lesser number of walls could be providedand/or the configuration of the walls altered. For instance, while not apresently preferred example, the example walls 141, 145, 148, 149 couldextend rearwardly, but not forwardly. Instead of the exampletransmissive substrate 120 being received within the first volumedefined by the example walls 141, 145, 148, 149, the exampletransmissive substrate 120 could instead positively connect to theexample frame 140 via a plurality of male (or female) connectors (e.g.,snap fit connectors, etc.) formed on the example transmissive substrate120 to matingly engage with correspondingly configured and positionedfemale (or male) connectors formed on the example frame 140. In anotherexample, the example transmissive substrate 120 is connected to theexample frame 140 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws,etc.).

In yet another example, the frame 140 could include a subset of thewalls of FIG. 1, such as only wall 149 or only wall 148. In suchexample, the example transmissive substrate 120 could positively connectto the example frame 140 via a plurality of male (or female) connectors(e.g., snap fit connectors, etc.) formed on the example transmissivesubstrate 120 to matingly engage with correspondingly configured andpositioned female (or male) connectors formed on the example frame 140or, could positively connect to the example frame 140 via a plurality ofmechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.).

The example frame 140 includes one or more front connector(s) toremovably attach the example transmissive substrate 120 to the front ofthe example frame 140. It the example of FIG. 1, the example frame 140includes four example front connectors 147 disposed adjacent a front ofthe example frame 140. The four example front connectors 147 arecantilevered snap-fit connectors, having a head that is chamfered ortapered at a top surface, to facilitate biasing of the heads away fromthe first volume upon movement of the example transmissive substrate 120into the first volume, wherein lateral edges of the example transmissivesubstrate 120 contact the chamfered or tapered top surfaces of the headsof the example front connectors 147 and slightly bias the headsoutwardly. Following passage of the example transmissive substrate 120into the first volume and past a bottom surface of the head, where it nolonger outwardly biases the heads of the example front connectors 147,the heads returns to their initial positions and lower surfaces of theheads facilitate retention of the example transmissive substrate 120within the first volume. For instance, in some examples, the lowersurfaces of the heads of the example front connectors 147 are at flatand are at least substantially parallel to the front surface of theexample transmissive substrate 120 such that the heads would have to bemanually or digitally biased outwardly to facilitate removal of theexample transmissive substrate 120. While four example front connectors147 are shown, a greater number (e.g., five, six, etc.) or a lessernumber (e.g., one, two, three) could alternatively be implemented in theexample frame 140. Likewise, different forms of example front connectors147 (e.g., male/female connectors, mechanical connectors, fasteners,etc.) may be implemented to facilitate removable attachment of theexample transmissive substrate 120 to the example frame 140.

In some examples, the example frame 140 includes example openings 144.In some examples of the present concepts, the example openings 144 areomitted.

FIG. 1 also shows an example license plate 160, which may be formed froma variety of materials, such as plastic or metal (e.g., aluminum, steel,an alloy, etc.) or, in some instances, from card stock (e.g., atemporary tag). The example license plate 160 includes an example firstlicense plate display region 162 for display of a license plate numberand additional relevant information (e.g., a state of issuance, a statemotto, etc.) and an example second license plate display region 164 fordisplay of an emblem or a sticker (e.g., a governmental vehicleregistration sticker, etc.) that may be required in a givenjurisdiction. In some examples, a third license plate display region(not shown) may be required, similar to that of the example secondlicense plate display region 164, in jurisdictions requiring a secondemblem or a sticker. The example license plate 160 includes a pluralityof example through holes 165 to receive example mechanical fasteners 150(e.g., screws, etc.) to secure the example license plate 160 to theexample base 200 and/or to the vehicle itself which bears the examplelicense plate holder 100.

As discussed further in relation to FIGS. 2-7B below, the example frame140 includes one or more rear connectors (not shown in FIG. 1) disposedadjacent a rear of the example frame 140 to removably attach the rear ofthe example frame 140 to the example base 200.

As noted above, the example license plate 160 may include any dimensionspecified by any jurisdiction including, but not limited to, forexample, 305 mm×152 mm (12.0″×6.0″), 520 mm×110 mm (20.5″×4.3″), or 440mm×140 mm (17.3″×5.5″) to name but a few examples.

The example base 200 of FIG. 1 includes an example central section 202,an example first lateral section 203, and an example second lateralsection 204. Formed within the example central section 202 are one ormore example first connectors 205 (e.g., through holes, bosses, maleconnectors, female connectors, etc.) for attaching the example base 200to a vehicle. The example central section 202 is recessed relative tothe example first lateral section 203 and the example second lateralsection 204 to define a recessed volume within which the example licenseplate 160 may be received. The recessed volume of the example centralsection 202 has an area sufficient to receive an example license plate160 of a jurisdiction of relevance (e.g., greater than about 305 mm×152mm (12.0″×6.0″) in the United States, greater than about 440 mm×140 mm(17.3″×5.5″) in China, etc.). In some examples, the example centralsection 202, the example first lateral section 203, and the examplesecond lateral section 204 are substantially planar and the examplefirst lateral section 203 and the example second lateral section 204 donot define a recessed volume therebetween.

The exploded view of FIG. 1 shows, beneath the example base 200, examplerear connectors 210 (e.g., mechanical fasteners, etc.) and exampleadapters 215 (e.g., anchors, anti-rotation anchors, etc.). The examplerear connectors 210, discussed further below in relation to FIGS. 3 and5-6, are inserted through corresponding openings in the example frame140 and the example base 200 to secure a lower portion of the exampleframe 140 to a lower portion of the example base 200. In some examples,the example adapters 215 are inserted only into the example base 200. Insome examples, the example adapters 215 are inserted through the exampleframe 140 and into the example base 200. In some examples, the exampleadapters 215 are omitted.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the example license plate holder 100 ofFIG. 1 in an assembled condition and FIG. 2B is a front view of theexample license plate holder 100 of FIG. 1 in an assembled condition.FIGS. 2A-2B show the alignment of the example transmissive substrate 120within the first volume of the example frame 140 and the alignment ofthe example frame 140 relative to the example license plate 160 and theexample base 200 (not shown in FIGS. 2A-2B). FIGS. 2A-2B show that theexample frame display regions 146 are viewable through, and protectedby, the example transmissive substrate 120. FIGS. 2A-2B also show thatthe example first license plate display region 162 is viewable throughthe example first region 126 of the example transmissive substrate 120and the example central opening 142 of the example frame 140. Likewise,FIGS. 2A-2B also show that the example second license plate displayregion 164 is viewable through the example third region 128 of theexample transmissive substrate 120 and the example secondary opening 143of the example frame 140.

FIG. 3 is an example bottom view of the assembled example license plateholder 100 of FIGS. 2A-2B, with the example front 300 of the exampleframe 140 and the example rear 302 of the example frame 140 being shown.FIG. 3 shows an example first boss 310 formed on a first side of theexample wall 149 or bottom portion of the example frame 140 and anexample second boss 312 formed on a second side of the example wall 149of the example frame 140. FIG. 3 also shows an example first boss 310formed on a first side of the example wall 149 or bottom portion of theexample frame 140 and an example second boss 312 formed on a second sideof the example wall 149 of the example frame 140. The example first boss310 aligns with (e.g., is at least substantially coaxial with) anexample third boss 615 (not shown in FIG. 3) formed on a first side ofan example bottom portion 249 of the example base 200. The examplesecond boss 312 aligns with (e.g., is at least substantially coaxialwith) an example fourth boss 616 (not shown in FIG. 3) formed on asecond side of an example bottom portion 249 of the example base 200.Each of the example first boss 310 and the example second boss 312include an example through hole 311 to facilitate receipt of the examplemechanical fastener 250, which connects the example first boss 310 andthe example second boss 312 of the example frame 140 with, respectively,the example third boss 615 and the example fourth boss 616 of theexample base 200.

FIG. 4 is an example top view of the assembled example license plateholder 100 of FIGS. 2A-3. FIG. 4 shows a top view of an example firstupper rear connector 410 and an example second upper rear connector 412,which are shown more fully in FIGS. 5-6.

FIG. 5 is an example rear perspective view of the example license plateholder 100 of FIGS. 1-4 in the assembled condition and FIG. 6 is anexample rear view of the example license plate holder of FIGS. 1-5. Atthe upper end of the assembled example license plate holder 100, FIGS.5-6 show the example first upper rear connector 410 engaging the exampleledge 710 of the example first lateral section 203 of the example base200. FIGS. 5-6 also show the example second upper rear connector 412engaging the example ledge 712 of the example second lateral section 204of the example base 200. In some examples, the example ledges 710, 712correspond to an upper portion of a recess formed in a rear portion ofthe example first lateral section 203 and example second lateral portion204, respectively. In other examples, the rear surface of the examplebase 200 may be substantially planer and the example ledges 710, 712 maybe formed to extend rearwardly therefrom.

Even in isolation (i.e., without the example rear connectors 210), theexample first upper rear connector 410 and the example second upper rearconnector 412 provide positive engagement with, and lockup of, theexample frame 140 and the example base 200.

In FIGS. 5-6, the example mechanical fasteners 150 (e.g., screws, etc.)are shown to protrude through the example first connectors 205 (e.g.,through holes, bosses, male connectors, female connectors, etc.) of theexample base 200 and, in an installed condition, would connect theexample license plate holder 100 to a vehicle.

The right example rear connector 210, in the view of FIGS. 5-6,comprises a mechanical fastener (e.g., a screw, etc.) inserted throughthe example through hole 311 of the example first boss 310 of theexample frame 140 and through a corresponding one of the exampleadapters 215, which is in turn through or received by the example thirdboss 615 of the example base 200. The left example rear connector 210,in the view of FIGS. 5-6, comprises a mechanical fastener (e.g., ascrew, etc.) inserted through the example through hole 313 of theexample second boss 312 of the example frame 140 and through acorresponding one of the example adapters 215, which is itself insertedinto or received by the example fourth boss 616 of the example base 200.

While the view of FIGS. 5-6 shows the example first lateral section 203and the example second lateral section 204 of the example base 200 todefine recesses on the rear of the example base 200, in other examplesthe example first lateral section 203 and the example second lateralsection 204 are solid and the example third boss 615, the example fourthboss 616, and the example adapters 215 are omitted in favor of holes(e.g., threaded holes, etc.) to receive the example rear connectors 210.In some examples, rather than two example rear connectors 210 disposedat or near a first and a second lateral end of the example frame 140 andthe example base 200, a single centrally disposed rear connector 210 isused to secure a lower portion of the example frame 140 to a lowerportion of the example base 200.

FIGS. 7A-7B are, respectively, example right side and left side views ofthe example license plate holder 100 of FIGS. 1-6, showing alternateviews of components of the example frame 140 including the example firstupper rear connector 410, the example second upper rear connector 412,the example first boss 310 and the example second boss 312.

Although certain example apparatus, articles of manufacture and methodshave been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. To the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A license plate holder (100), comprising: a base(200) including a first connector (205) for attaching the base (200) toa vehicle; a transmissive substrate (120); and a frame (140) defining acentral opening (142) to permit display of indicia on at least onelicense plate display region (162, 164) of a license plate (160)disposed between the base (200) and the frame (140) and further definingat least one frame display region (146) adjacent the central opening(142), the frame (140) including at least one rear connector (210, 410)disposed adjacent a rear of the frame (140) to removably attach the rearof the frame (140) to the base (200) and further including at least onefront connector (147) disposed adjacent a front of the frame (140) toremovably attach the transmissive substrate (120) to the front of theframe (140), wherein the transmissive substrate (120) is removablyattachable to the front of the frame (140), via the at least one frontconnector (147), to protect the at least one frame display region (146)defined on the frame (140).
 2. The license plate holder (100) of claim1, wherein the frame (140) comprises a plurality of rear connectorsincluding at least one upper rear connector (410 or 412) and at leastone lower rear connector (210).
 3. The license plate holder (100) ofclaim 2, wherein the frame (140) comprises a plurality of rearconnectors including a plurality of upper rear connectors (410, 412) ora plurality of lower rear connectors (210).
 4. The license plate holder(100) of claim 3, wherein the frame (140) comprises a plurality of frontconnectors (147) including at least one upper front connector (147) andat least one lower front connector (147).
 5. The license plate holder(100) of claim 4, wherein the plurality of front connectors (147)comprises a plurality of upper front connectors (147) or a plurality oflower front connectors (147).
 6. The license plate holder (100) of claim5, wherein the plurality of rear connectors comprises a plurality ofupper rear connectors (410, 412) and a plurality of lower rearconnectors (210).
 7. The license plate holder (100) of claim 6, whereinthe plurality of upper rear connectors (410, 412) comprise cantileveredsnap-fit connectors positioned to engage ledges (710, 712) formed on arear portion of an upper side (248) of the base (200).
 8. The licenseplate holder (100) of claim 7, further comprising: a first boss (310)formed on a first side of the bottom portion (149) of the frame (140)and a second boss (312) formed on a second side of the bottom portion(149) of the frame (140); and a third boss (615) formed on a first sideof a bottom portion (249) of the base (200) to be coaxial with the firstboss (310) and a fourth boss (616) formed on a second side of the bottomportion (249) of the base (200) to be coaxial with the second boss(312), wherein the plurality of lower rear connectors (210) include afirst mechanical fastener inserted through the first boss and the thirdboss and a second mechanical fastener inserted through the second bossand the fourth boss.
 9. The license plate holder (100) of claim 8,further including: a first adapter (215) to receive the first mechanicalfastener (210), the first adapter (215) being dimensioned to be receivedwithin the first boss (310) and the third boss (615); and a secondadapter (215) to receive the second mechanical fastener (210), thesecond adapter (215) being dimensioned to be received within the secondboss (312) and the fourth boss (616).
 10. The license plate holder (100)of claim 7, wherein the frame (140) defines a plurality of contiguouswalls including a first wall (141), a second wall (145), a third wall(148), and a fourth wall (149), wherein each of the plurality ofcontiguous walls extends forwardly to define a first volume at the frontof the frame (140), wherein each of the plurality of contiguous wallsextends rearwardly to define a second volume at the rear of the frame(140), wherein the transmissive substrate (120) is received within thefirst volume; and wherein the base (200) is received within the secondvolume.
 11. The license plate holder (100) of claim 1, wherein the frame(140) includes a secondary opening (143) adjacent the central opening.12. The license plate holder (100) of claim 11, wherein the secondaryopening (143) is contiguous to the central opening (142).
 13. Thelicense plate holder (100) of claim 1, wherein the central opening (142)is less than about 305 mm×152 mm (12.0″×6.0″), less than about 520mm×110 mm (20.5″×4.3″) or less than about 440 mm×140 mm (17.3″×5.5″).14. The license plate holder (100) of claim 1, wherein the base (200)includes a first lateral section, a central section, and a secondlateral section, and wherein the central section is recessed relative tothe first lateral section and the second lateral section to define arecessed volume within which a license plate may be received, therecessed volume having an area of greater than about 305 mm×152 mm(12.0″×6.0″), greater than about 520 mm×110 mm (20.5″×4.3″) or greaterthan about 440 mm×140 mm (17.3″×5.5″).
 15. The license plate holder(100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one frame display region (146)includes a plurality of frame display regions (146).
 16. The licenseplate holder (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one frame displayregion (146) includes at least one of a bottom frame display region(146) below a bottom edge of the central opening (142), a first lateralframe display region (146) adjacent a first lateral edge of centralopening (142), a second lateral frame display region (146) adjacent asecond lateral edge of central opening (142), or an upper frame displayregion (146) above a top edge of the central opening (142).
 17. Thelicense plate holder (100) of claim 16, wherein the at least one framedisplay region (146) includes at least one of text or graphics.
 18. Thelicense plate holder (100) of claim 16, wherein the at least one framedisplay region (146) includes user-selectable text or graphics.
 19. Thelicense plate holder (100) of claim 17, further comprising: anelectrical connector to electrically connect to a license plate lightingcircuit; and at least one lighting element to illuminate the centralopening (142) and the at least one frame display region (146).
 20. Thelicense plate holder (100) of claim 1, further including a license plate(160) disposed between the base (200) and the frame (140).